Rock Candy is a colorful treat that’s hugely popular with kids. If you haven’t tried making candy and want to get started, we’ve included a recipe and detailed instructions on how to make rock candy in your own kitchen.
In addition to being a favorite with kids and adults who love sweets, rock candy can also be used in fancy cocktails!
What Is Rock Candy?
Also known as sugar candy, rock candy is made of large sugar crystals. It’s sold in a variety of bright colors in candy stores.
What You’ll Need
- Granulated Sugar
- Water
- Food Coloring
- Mason Jars
- Wooden Skewers or Sticks
- Clothespins or Other Clips
How To Make Rock Candy
- Place the skewers in water, and then coat them in sugar. Set them aside to dry for at least an hour or overnight.
- Wash and dry the mason jars.
- Attach a clip to each skewer and then place it into the jars. The skewer should be suspended in the jar, about an inch from the bottom.
- Remove the skewer for now. You’ll place it back into the jar when you add the sugar solution.
- To make the sugar solution, place 4 cups of water into a large saucepan. Bring the water to a boil and add the sugar one cup at a time. Stir well with a wooden spoon after adding each cup until the sugar is completely dissolved, and then add the next cup of sugar. The sugar will become saturated with water and will begin to clump before dissolving. This is expected.
- When the last cup of sugar is dissolved, let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes and then remove the pot from the heat.
- Let the mixture cool for about 15 minutes.
- Divide the mixture between the 5 prepared mason jars. Stir in the food coloring.
- Place the prepared skewers into the sugar solution. Try not to move the jars much after adding the skewers.
- The rock candy will now begin to grow. The skewers can be removed at any time but for best results, allow the candy to form for about 6 days.
- When you’re ready to remove the rock candy sticks from the jars, use your fingers to gently crack the hardened layer of sugar that has formed on top of the jar and gently wiggle the stick until it is released. Allow any syrup to drip from the stick. Do this over a bowl or some paper towels to catch the drops.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Rock Candy
- Make sure your mason jars are completely clean and are not cold.
- Do not skip the step of coating the sticks in sugar. This will give the crystals something to grab onto, instead of forming in the bottom of the mason jar.
- Add enough food coloring to make the sugar dark. It will lighten as the crystals form.
- Don’t move the jars around after placing the sticks into the sugar mixture.
How Long Does It Take to Make Rock Candy?
For the best results, the rock candy should be set aside for 6-7 days. This will give the sugar crystals ample time to form.
Can I Make Rock Candy Fast?
There’s no way to speed up the process, so you’ll have to be patient until the candy is ready to enjoy!
Why Isn’t My Rock Candy Growing?
If the crystals aren’t growing after a few days, the sugar may not have been saturated enough. Put the sugar back into the saucepan and bring it to the boil. Add another cup of sugar and stir the mixture until it is dissolved. Add more sugar if the first cup dissolves easily. You want the sugar to begin to clump before dissolving. Soak and coat new sticks with sugar and continue with the instructions.
How To Store Candy?
Rock candy should be stored in a cool and dry place. If you’ll be giving the candy as gifts at a later date, wrap it well in cellophane. When stored properly, rock candy will last for about a year.
Can I Use A Popsicle Stick For Rock Candy?
Yes, wooden skewers, sticks, or popsicle sticks are all excellent options for making rock candy.
Can You Use Powdered Sugar To Make Rock Candy?
No, you’ll need to use regular granulated sugar to make rock candy.
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Perfect Rock Candy Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 10 cups granulated sugar plus more for coating the skewers
- Food coloring of your choice
Instructions
- Place the skewers in water, and then coat them in sugar. Set them aside to dry for at least an hour or overnight.
- Wash and dry the mason jars.
- Attach a clip to each skewer and then place it into the jars. The skewer should be suspended in the jar, about an inch from the bottom.
- Remove the skewer for now. You’ll place it back into the jar when you add the sugar solution.
- To make the sugar solution, place 4 cups of water into a large saucepan. Bring the water to a boil and add the sugar one cup at a time. Stir well with a wooden spoon after adding each cup until the sugar is completely dissolved, and then add the next cup of sugar. The sugar will become saturated with water and will begin to clump before dissolving. This is expected.
- When the last cup of sugar is dissolved, let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes and then remove the pot from the heat.
- Let the mixture cool for about 15 minutes.
- Divide the mixture between the 5 prepared mason jars. Stir in the food coloring.
- Place the prepared skewers into the sugar solution. Try not to move the jars much after adding the skewers.
- The rock candy will now begin to grow. The skewers can be removed at any time but for best results, allow the candy to form for about 6 days.
- When you’re ready to remove the rock candy sticks from the jars, use your fingers to gently crack the hardened layer of sugar that has formed on top of the jar and gently wiggle the stick until it is released. Allow any syrup to drip from the stick. Do this over a bowl or some paper towels to catch the drops.
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